Head of Category Management

Pet Drugs Online is proud to be one of the UK's leading suppliers of affordable veterinary medicines and pet products, committed to ensuring the best possible care for every pet.

As a major retailer and a member of IVC Evidensia, the largest veterinary group in the UK and Europe, we work to enhance the health and happiness of pets nationwide!

If you would like to learn more about Pet Drugs Online's journey over the past 20 years, checkout our About Us page Pet Drugs Online and see if you would be a good fit for us.

About the role

As the Head of Category Management, you'll own the end to end commercial strategy across all categories ensuring compelling ranges, best in class execution, and outstanding financial performance. You will guide a team of Category Managers who each own their category's trading, planning, and supplier relationships.

This is a high impact role where strategic thinking meets hands on commercial leadership.

What you'll do

Category Leadership & Strategy

Deliver total category portfolio sales, margin, and income targets.

Define and implement the overarching category strategy aligned to business goals and customer needs.

Develop seasonal trade plans and promotional frameworks.

Own taxonomy, site navigation principles, pricing architecture, and category guardrails.

Buying Excellence

Oversee supplier negotiations, cost price management, and funding agreements.

Manage supplier performance (OTIF, compliance) and escalate issues where needed.

Govern product onboarding standards including data, imagery, and compliance.

Ensure stock health and cash flow targets are met.

Lead, coach, and develop a team of Category Managers.

Build capability in negotiation, analytics, and strategic planning.

Foster a culture of data driven decision making and strong supplier collaboration.

Cross Functional Collaboration

Partner with Digital Trading on promotional execution and on site merchandising.

Work with Marketing to align category priorities to campaign plans.

Collaborate with Supply Chain to drive availability and high service levels.

What you'll bring

Extensive experience in category management and buying within retail or ecommerce.

Strong leadership capability with a track record of developing high performing teams.

Expert negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.

Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate customer insight into strategy.

Knowledge of pricing, promotional mechanics, and range planning.

Comfortable working with analytics tools, forecasting systems, and data-led decision-making.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build the future of Pet Food retail.

Pet Drugs Online

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Danielle Hughes from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.